Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sleep? What's that?
Yes, that's right, we didn't sleep much at all last night. She's was pretty fussy all day yesterday (Tuesday) and just as fussy during the night waking up litterally every half hour. Oh my God! - I feel like I'm going to die from lack of sleep, but have no fear, I googled and read that no one has ever died from not sleeping - might get a little crazy though - wait, we're already are crazy! I really need a nap - just like the one she is taking now but I'm afraid to lay on the bed because she might wake up and I'm kind of liking the peace and quite (that sounds so motherish). Regardless, fussy or not, she's still so cute. I really want to keep biting her but I think the authorities might take me in! Just little nibbles :o) I have to tell you about how she get's ready to cry - it really is precious - she sticks out her bottom lip and sucks it back in...then she'll have a "bood" on her face. After that little process, she will scream on top of her lungs with her little teeth showing and little round mouth - It is so cute. After about 30 seconds, it's not as cute - just loud. Okay, on with our day; after a sleepless night and a cranky morning we all went to the local park. She was okay sitting in a stroller,that we rented, all bundled up like a pink eskimo. She seemed sad today - we think she is grieving over the loss her home and caretakers that she's had for the past year. Either that or she really needs a poop. Who know's! No really - it just takes time but it breaks our heart seeing her sad and crying. All the meetings that we went to while we were waiting helped out alot. Giving us an idea of what and what not to expect - so I'm sure she'll come around. I must say that she always seems content when we're at the restaurants eating breakfast, lunch or dinner. Oh, and she loves the bus rides. So, we'll just have to buy a bus when we get home. Things are slowing down as far as the adopting process and paper work. I think we're all done here in Nanching but still a little more when we get to Guangzhou. We'll be in Nanchang until Sunday morning and then fly down to Guangzhou.(2hrs) So for now, we're just chillin here until then. We'll try to blog tomorrow
P.S. We know your all anxious to know her name (believe it or not, we were still deciding on the bus ride to get her). We just feel that we would rather tell you in person than over the blog.
P.S. We know your all anxious to know her name (believe it or not, we were still deciding on the bus ride to get her). We just feel that we would rather tell you in person than over the blog.
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Newest Pea
Sorry for the delay with the blogging...We have a little pea to take care of now....okay, let's cut right to the chase - scroll down.
Isn't she the cutest baby you've ever seen? We think so. She is simply amazing. James and I have been in awe since the moment we met her. Words really cannot describe how we feel about this baby girl. We saw her for the first time yesterday (Monday 29th - your Sunday). It was about 5:00 in the evening when we first saw her and had her in our arms. She was soo scared and cried almost the whole time we were at the Civil Affairs office. Walking into that office was the most intense experience we've ever had. There was a group in there already with their babies and most of them were crying. It was just a run of emotions - really, words cannot describe it. So, we got our baby and they dressed her up in brand new outfits...She had 3 layers of clothes on. A pajama outfit, a full pink sweater outfit and the thickest snowsuit I've ever seen. They also gave her some fancy red boots to match the snowsuit. She looked like a staypuff marshmellow. Like I mentioned earlier, she was sooo terrfied. We had our family picture taken and then an interview with the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs) After being there about an hour, we headed back to our hotel and she actually fell asleep in my arms. She must have exhausted herself out from all that crying. Not for long though - she started up again and we decided to hang out in our room instead of going to dinner. She cried for an hour in our room. We put some tunes on and then all of a sudden, she stopped. She really enjoyed us for the rest of the night. She laughed and giggled a little and overall has been pretty calm ever since. Her and I fell asleep around ten and woke up at 4:00am...I've been up since - she on the other hand took two long naps . We gave her a bath this morning which our leaders didn't recommend but she was sweating so much from crying that she just needed a bath - it was just that simple. She was a trooper in her little tub getting her hair and body all nice and clean. She's such a good baby. James and I the luckiest people.
Today, we went to the office and paid our fees - I have to tell you that handing that money over was the a pretty good feeling. It was alot of cash to be carrying around. James has never felt so good handing money over to someone else. After that we met the orphanage director at the notary office and had another interview - sign some paper work and she is officially ours! We couldn't be any happier. She's been soo good - we fall in love with her more and more that the minutes go by. She is teething so she's has been a little fussy but I'd be to if i were getting new teeth. We're all taking a bus trip to WalMart and I'll be able to pick up some ambolsol - hopefully that will help
We have to sign off for now, so we can take that trip to Walmart. We love reading everybodys post, so keep them coming. We love you all and we'll check in with you soon.
Isn't she the cutest baby you've ever seen? We think so. She is simply amazing. James and I have been in awe since the moment we met her. Words really cannot describe how we feel about this baby girl. We saw her for the first time yesterday (Monday 29th - your Sunday). It was about 5:00 in the evening when we first saw her and had her in our arms. She was soo scared and cried almost the whole time we were at the Civil Affairs office. Walking into that office was the most intense experience we've ever had. There was a group in there already with their babies and most of them were crying. It was just a run of emotions - really, words cannot describe it. So, we got our baby and they dressed her up in brand new outfits...She had 3 layers of clothes on. A pajama outfit, a full pink sweater outfit and the thickest snowsuit I've ever seen. They also gave her some fancy red boots to match the snowsuit. She looked like a staypuff marshmellow. Like I mentioned earlier, she was sooo terrfied. We had our family picture taken and then an interview with the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs) After being there about an hour, we headed back to our hotel and she actually fell asleep in my arms. She must have exhausted herself out from all that crying. Not for long though - she started up again and we decided to hang out in our room instead of going to dinner. She cried for an hour in our room. We put some tunes on and then all of a sudden, she stopped. She really enjoyed us for the rest of the night. She laughed and giggled a little and overall has been pretty calm ever since. Her and I fell asleep around ten and woke up at 4:00am...I've been up since - she on the other hand took two long naps . We gave her a bath this morning which our leaders didn't recommend but she was sweating so much from crying that she just needed a bath - it was just that simple. She was a trooper in her little tub getting her hair and body all nice and clean. She's such a good baby. James and I the luckiest people.
Today, we went to the office and paid our fees - I have to tell you that handing that money over was the a pretty good feeling. It was alot of cash to be carrying around. James has never felt so good handing money over to someone else. After that we met the orphanage director at the notary office and had another interview - sign some paper work and she is officially ours! We couldn't be any happier. She's been soo good - we fall in love with her more and more that the minutes go by. She is teething so she's has been a little fussy but I'd be to if i were getting new teeth. We're all taking a bus trip to WalMart and I'll be able to pick up some ambolsol - hopefully that will help
We have to sign off for now, so we can take that trip to Walmart. We love reading everybodys post, so keep them coming. We love you all and we'll check in with you soon.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Let the Good Times Begin!
Hi Everyone
Today is our last day in Beijing. Tomorrow morning we fly down to Jiangxi, Nanching to meet our baby girl. This is way too exciting!
Today we got up early to go to the Summer Palace. This palace is where the Emperor summers. Kind of like New Yorkers go to the Hamptons during the summer months but only the Emperor's residence is ten times bigger. It's sits by a man made lake and let's see...that's about it really....nothing too spectacular to report about it. It was soo cold that we were just anxious to get on the bus to head over to lunch. For lunch (and dinner as well) they usually sit about 8-10 people at a table (kind of like a wedding) and there is a big lazy susan in the middle. That is where they put at least 8 different dishes for everone to taste. The food has been really good so far. Hopefully it will be just as good at our other destinations. When we got back to the hotel, we went for a walk to check out some local stores. I really needed a nail file and we walked into this one place which happened to be a somewhat of a department store. So, here we are trying to find a nail file (you think no big deal) and all of a sudden, we're are surrounded by about 4 people trying to help us - and they know no such thing as "evading one's space" they get up real close and try to communicate with us by sign language of some sort. It is quite an experience shopping here with all the people trying to help out. We went to a pharmacy and there was at least two employees per isle to help out. Back home, you can wander around for hours and see not one sales person in sight when you need help. If our two countries can get together, there could be a happy medium. Okay, enough about the shopping.
Before dinner we took a bus tour of Tian'anmen Square. This is equivalent to the Washington DC Mall. All the government agencies are located here and there is a huge portriat of Chairman Mao. This part of Beijing is very important to Chinese people throughout the country and they try to make it here at least once in their lives. We were unable to get off the bus and walk around because it was too busy for the bus to park but we were able to see everything. It was really nice with all the buildings being lit up. Dinner, as usual was delicious.
We came back to the hotel and our guides held a quick meeting as to what is going to happen tomorrow (Monday 29th) and what to expect. We will arrive in Nanchang around 2:oopm. We'll have just enough time to check in our hotel room and pack a small bag (diaper bag that is) with everything from baby bottles to rattles and some other necessities. We'll then go to the CAA offices where we will meet our babies around 4:00pm!! (This will be 3:00 in the morning for you - when you're sound asleep). Oh my God...Can you believe it?! It's so surreal..and alot of the other couples are in agreement with us...just surreal. We were told that they will give us our babies and then to make our way to a private corner part of the room to get to know her and wait for the next step which is to take our first family photo. After that, we'll go up to our room and then James and I will officially "freak out"!! We have our baby!!! Just kidding, I really think we'll do fine. We've been waiting forever and we're definately ready for this and whatever may come our way with a child - it's going to be awesome :O)
So this is the last blog until tomorrow night...maybe once she goes down to sleep, I'll be able to type up another one to let you know how our day went. Isn't this exciting?!
Stay tuned!
Today is our last day in Beijing. Tomorrow morning we fly down to Jiangxi, Nanching to meet our baby girl. This is way too exciting!
Today we got up early to go to the Summer Palace. This palace is where the Emperor summers. Kind of like New Yorkers go to the Hamptons during the summer months but only the Emperor's residence is ten times bigger. It's sits by a man made lake and let's see...that's about it really....nothing too spectacular to report about it. It was soo cold that we were just anxious to get on the bus to head over to lunch. For lunch (and dinner as well) they usually sit about 8-10 people at a table (kind of like a wedding) and there is a big lazy susan in the middle. That is where they put at least 8 different dishes for everone to taste. The food has been really good so far. Hopefully it will be just as good at our other destinations. When we got back to the hotel, we went for a walk to check out some local stores. I really needed a nail file and we walked into this one place which happened to be a somewhat of a department store. So, here we are trying to find a nail file (you think no big deal) and all of a sudden, we're are surrounded by about 4 people trying to help us - and they know no such thing as "evading one's space" they get up real close and try to communicate with us by sign language of some sort. It is quite an experience shopping here with all the people trying to help out. We went to a pharmacy and there was at least two employees per isle to help out. Back home, you can wander around for hours and see not one sales person in sight when you need help. If our two countries can get together, there could be a happy medium. Okay, enough about the shopping.
Before dinner we took a bus tour of Tian'anmen Square. This is equivalent to the Washington DC Mall. All the government agencies are located here and there is a huge portriat of Chairman Mao. This part of Beijing is very important to Chinese people throughout the country and they try to make it here at least once in their lives. We were unable to get off the bus and walk around because it was too busy for the bus to park but we were able to see everything. It was really nice with all the buildings being lit up. Dinner, as usual was delicious.
We came back to the hotel and our guides held a quick meeting as to what is going to happen tomorrow (Monday 29th) and what to expect. We will arrive in Nanchang around 2:oopm. We'll have just enough time to check in our hotel room and pack a small bag (diaper bag that is) with everything from baby bottles to rattles and some other necessities. We'll then go to the CAA offices where we will meet our babies around 4:00pm!! (This will be 3:00 in the morning for you - when you're sound asleep). Oh my God...Can you believe it?! It's so surreal..and alot of the other couples are in agreement with us...just surreal. We were told that they will give us our babies and then to make our way to a private corner part of the room to get to know her and wait for the next step which is to take our first family photo. After that, we'll go up to our room and then James and I will officially "freak out"!! We have our baby!!! Just kidding, I really think we'll do fine. We've been waiting forever and we're definately ready for this and whatever may come our way with a child - it's going to be awesome :O)
So this is the last blog until tomorrow night...maybe once she goes down to sleep, I'll be able to type up another one to let you know how our day went. Isn't this exciting?!
Stay tuned!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
We Made It!!!
What a journey this has been so far. What was supposed to be a one hour layover in Chicago turned out to be two hours which was okay since James upgraded to business class - we were able to hang out in the lounge at the terminal. Around 2:00pm, the called us to board to take off for 2:15ish. James and I were to say the least out of our minds to be sitting in an awesome section of the plane - (totally worth checking out last minute about upgrading). And sat we did...on the plane for about four hours! There was something wrong with the radar. Just as it was coming close for the pilots to become illegal, they got things rolling and all worked out. We finally left ground at around 6:30pm. We had a excellent flight - nice and smooth...but none the less, LONG. We arrived in Beijing last night (Friday) at 10:30pm. We couldn't wait to tear up our suitecases for our PJ's to get a good nights sleep. James slept, I didn't. So there I was in the middle of the night pie eyed and watching HBO in Chinese! I eventually fell asleep but not for long.
After breakfast we boarded a bus to go to a Jade Museum and then hopped back on to go to the Great Wall. I swear there had to be about 3,000 steps to the top, some incredibly steep. About half way up, I thought I was going to die - then we saw a tall blonde girl (Sweedish I think) walking by me with stilletto boots. Yes, that is right, walking up the million steps with spike heels! C'mon now...who in their right mind hikes in heels? Seeing that got everyone motivated to go up. It was worth the pain and agony...it was absolutely beautiful being way up there...It's really amazing to think that humans built this about 2500 years ago, without any equipment to help carry up the bricks. I honestly think going down was much harder than going up. Our legs became like jello. We were very excited to have experienced that journey. Let's see....oh, we also went by the stadium where the 2008 Olymics is taking place. There is this huge bubble type of building which is going to house the swimming pool and we saw the Nest which is another venue. Not sure what sport is taking place there. After that, I think we were all ready to come back to take a nap but no...we ended up at a theater for an acrobatic performance. That too, was awesome. These gymnists were bending their bodies in ways that shouldn't be bent. We ate dinner and now we're back in our room getting ready to sleep...its only 8:00pm but we don't care - We can't hang like we used to!
Catch you later...
by the way...two more days to baby time!
After breakfast we boarded a bus to go to a Jade Museum and then hopped back on to go to the Great Wall. I swear there had to be about 3,000 steps to the top, some incredibly steep. About half way up, I thought I was going to die - then we saw a tall blonde girl (Sweedish I think) walking by me with stilletto boots. Yes, that is right, walking up the million steps with spike heels! C'mon now...who in their right mind hikes in heels? Seeing that got everyone motivated to go up. It was worth the pain and agony...it was absolutely beautiful being way up there...It's really amazing to think that humans built this about 2500 years ago, without any equipment to help carry up the bricks. I honestly think going down was much harder than going up. Our legs became like jello. We were very excited to have experienced that journey. Let's see....oh, we also went by the stadium where the 2008 Olymics is taking place. There is this huge bubble type of building which is going to house the swimming pool and we saw the Nest which is another venue. Not sure what sport is taking place there. After that, I think we were all ready to come back to take a nap but no...we ended up at a theater for an acrobatic performance. That too, was awesome. These gymnists were bending their bodies in ways that shouldn't be bent. We ate dinner and now we're back in our room getting ready to sleep...its only 8:00pm but we don't care - We can't hang like we used to!
Catch you later...
by the way...two more days to baby time!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
3 More days to Baby!!
We've made it to Chicago! Only 16 or so more hours to go and we'll be in China. We barely slept last night. Seriously, how could we?! This is way too exciting to actually sleep! We had our families over for a visit and pizza, and after all our goodbye's we got geared up to pack as much as we could into two suitcases. I don't know how we did it but we did. There is more stuff in the suitcases for her than the two of us combined. You name it, we've got it. We made it through the gates at TF Green by the skin of our teeth - there was somewhat of a delay when scanning in our carry on's - of course we're not carrying anything we shouldn't be but they picked us to go through our bags - isn't that just lovely. I needed that like another hole in my head. We made it though and that's all that matters. Our flight is delayed by one hour to fly out to Beijing but that's okay because we are styling right now sitting in the VIP lounge at O"Hare International Airport...Is it o'hare? I don't know - no wait, O'Hare is in England but whatever, we sitting in the VIP lounge! There is some comfy seats, TV and a small little buffet. There's also a bar. We got very lucky- last night at 2:30 in the morning, James ran upstairs to ask me if we should upgrade our seats from economy to business for just a little bit more money - absolutely! ! I can't believe the excellent deal we got! Wait a minute...we are at O'Hare. See, this is what happens when you don't sleep - you don't even know where you are.
The last three days back home were really hectic - I was running around like a chicken driving up and down Route 2 a hundred times daily always thinking of something else I had to get for the trip. Its crazy. You think you have a plan but you really don't or at least that was the case with me/us. I guess I'll have to get used to it...having a child is a crazy ride anyway :o)
This is it for now - nothing exciting happening here at the airport except for two business men getting into a heated conversation in a different language. That's all the excitement I have until we get to China. Stayed tuned...
Kerin & James
The last three days back home were really hectic - I was running around like a chicken driving up and down Route 2 a hundred times daily always thinking of something else I had to get for the trip. Its crazy. You think you have a plan but you really don't or at least that was the case with me/us. I guess I'll have to get used to it...having a child is a crazy ride anyway :o)
This is it for now - nothing exciting happening here at the airport except for two business men getting into a heated conversation in a different language. That's all the excitement I have until we get to China. Stayed tuned...
Kerin & James
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
We're coming!
Thinking back when I was a child, digging a deep hole in the sand at the beach and my mom asking me if I was "digging to China", that maybe subconsiously, I knew what I was doing.
Well here we are...one week before we travel to meet our baby girl - we can't believe after what seems like a million years of waiting, its finally time bring her home. Most of you know that we got our call on November 30th....James was home from work (sick as a dog, I might add) with the flu debating whether or not he should answer the phone or just roll over and go back to sleep. I'm happy to say he picked up the call only to hear the voice of Nancy, our social worker, letting him know that we finally got our referral! I almost passed out when he called me at work to tell me and I think he literally passed out from putting what little energy he had into writing as much information about our daughter as he could. Our daughter's name is Cen Li Lian and she was born February 22, 2006 in Jiangxi, Nanchang provence. What we do know about her is that medically she seems to be right on target (we'll see when we get there). She's obstinate (o'boy), likes to listen to music (she'll fit right in with this family) and she loves her music box and toy blocks which I have yet to get - I'll get them this weekend. You would think that after a long wait, we'd be prepared with everything but anyone who knows us, we're last minute Larry's. Everything always falls into place and we're getting there. We have her room ready, the house is somewhat baby proofed - but not really, just those plastic things for the light sockets; the stroller and highchair are put together and a carseat is waiting to be strapped in. Now, if she comes with instructions, we'll be golden! We are seriously bursting at the seams with excitment and anticipation to meet our daughter. Oh yeah, we're still trying to decide on a name...we'll keep you posted - its a long flight and I promise by the end of the flight, we'll have her name. We're all about keeping our friends and families "on their toes".
I just want to sign off on my very first blog by saying that we are truly blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends and appreciate all your warm wishes. We hope you follow us on our journey by keeping up with our blog and maybe even posting a comment or two. We'll do our best to post everyday including pictures.
okay...bye for now.
Well here we are...one week before we travel to meet our baby girl - we can't believe after what seems like a million years of waiting, its finally time bring her home. Most of you know that we got our call on November 30th....James was home from work (sick as a dog, I might add) with the flu debating whether or not he should answer the phone or just roll over and go back to sleep. I'm happy to say he picked up the call only to hear the voice of Nancy, our social worker, letting him know that we finally got our referral! I almost passed out when he called me at work to tell me and I think he literally passed out from putting what little energy he had into writing as much information about our daughter as he could. Our daughter's name is Cen Li Lian and she was born February 22, 2006 in Jiangxi, Nanchang provence. What we do know about her is that medically she seems to be right on target (we'll see when we get there). She's obstinate (o'boy), likes to listen to music (she'll fit right in with this family) and she loves her music box and toy blocks which I have yet to get - I'll get them this weekend. You would think that after a long wait, we'd be prepared with everything but anyone who knows us, we're last minute Larry's. Everything always falls into place and we're getting there. We have her room ready, the house is somewhat baby proofed - but not really, just those plastic things for the light sockets; the stroller and highchair are put together and a carseat is waiting to be strapped in. Now, if she comes with instructions, we'll be golden! We are seriously bursting at the seams with excitment and anticipation to meet our daughter. Oh yeah, we're still trying to decide on a name...we'll keep you posted - its a long flight and I promise by the end of the flight, we'll have her name. We're all about keeping our friends and families "on their toes".
I just want to sign off on my very first blog by saying that we are truly blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends and appreciate all your warm wishes. We hope you follow us on our journey by keeping up with our blog and maybe even posting a comment or two. We'll do our best to post everyday including pictures.
okay...bye for now.
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